Montana Tacomas

Definately a cool area.

 

It's amazing how much wildlife is there, hiding in plain sight..

 

Those of you with 3rd gens. How do you like them?

I am slowly shopping for a new truck still, and trying to talk myself out of stuff. I want to wait to see if a new tundra is announced, I really like the new GMC with the 6.2 as well.

I have a 2500 work truck that i can use whenever I want for anything so I dont "need" a fullsize. I just like the space and power they give, plus similar mpgs compared to midsize.

The new tacoma still gets me thinking on occasion but seems so gutless, and the new colorado zr2 with the diesel peaked my interest.

 

Hey all- new to Missoula and have a quick question.

How many of you run dedicated snow tires in the winter? Pros/cons? Studded or not?

Thanks! Chris

 

Never had to run snow tires in Montana on a 4x4. Occasionally I'll throw extra weight in the back, but that's just my preference. Welcome to zootown!

 

I'm more than likely selling my 3rd gen for a GMC Canyon diesel. I've got 14,000 miles on my 5 month old Taco and frankly the drivetrain sucks on high speed roads. I'm lucky to get 15mpg highway. My friends f150 gets better.

Very disappointed

 

I may have to go test the diesel, but not sure im in love with the design. Plus i built one online and it was 40K plus for a nice trim. That's my biggest deal with the new Tacoma. I've heard nothing but complaints about teh drive train on the highway and that it is underpowered. The new truck will be a occasional driver plus roadtrips places so kind of an important deal.

 

I drove the Canyon. It's a nice truck. Long bed is 1" longer and the GM twins are all deeper by a bit.
I also drove the Colorado- not as comfy or nice as the GMC.

Was going to get the diesel but I figured the reported 21+ mpg Tacoma and $3,000 less would negate the diesel, and the Colorado was uncomftable.

I think I was wrong.

 

Bummer to hear. The tacoma is definately the more attractive IMO. But some bumpers and wheels might change that. The colorado looks like the hilux to me.

 

Welcome! I am also in Missoula! I personally run all seasons year round. Very rarely do I hear the studs on a four wheel drive. Unless you live in the south hills I don't think I would worry about winter specific tires.

 

I asked a random stranger how he liked his diesel Colorado the other day and he said if he totals it on the drive home he will order another immediately. Must be pretty decent.

 

I run dedicated winter tires. I have 2 sets of wheels with the same tires. The newer ones are for winter, the older (with worn tread) are for the warmer months. Last year was the first that I didn't have studs in about 15 years. It was fine, but my next set will have studs. It's really easy to pull the studs after 3-4 winters to convert them to summer tires.

 

Thanks for the input all. Looking forward to ski season!

 

WTF? Snow? Where was this??

Snow day in Belgrade, MT the other day... honestly looked like the grass got frost on it. It was gone before I left the house. Truly pathetic.

 

This is just above the base area at Big Mountain

 

Finally got my VHF/UHF radio installed. Any of you Montana folks HAM?

I'm in Bozeman so will probably be monitoring 146.880 repeater up on the Bridgers. KI7GBQ

 

Nice! I'd love to have a HF setup, but I haven't even installed my CB yet

 

Yeah I've got the HAM and CB in my rig now. Was told to have a CB for Moab. Got there and nobody was using CB. Everyone (80% or so) had HAM. LOL So I figured I should have both so I'm good no matter who I wheel with. Now I probably should invest in a hand held at some point in case I wheel with someone who doesn't have a radio!